How to check if you've fatty liver at home- 5 signs according to a Harvard-trained gastroenterologist
Fatty liver disease develops when fat starts building up in the liver, often without causing obvious symptoms in its early stages. Detecting it early at home can help prevent more serious health issues later. According to a TOI report, Dr Saurabh Sethi, a gastroenterologist trained at Harvard and Stanford, shares five signs of fatty liver that anyone can check at home.
Dr Sethi explains that one of the first signs of fatty liver disease is weight gain in the abdominal area that doesn’t match your overall body weight. When the liver becomes overloaded with fat, it struggles to process it correctly, which leads to fat being stored around the waist. This can also increase insulin resistance. If you notice your waistline expanding without changes in diet or exercise habits, it could be a warning sign of liver problems. Consulting a doctor for a liver health check becomes important in such cases.
Feeling constantly tired, even after a good night’s sleep, may indicate fatty liver disease. The liver plays a key role in energy metabolism, and fat accumulation reduces its efficiency. Dr Sethi says this fatigue is often overlooked because it is subtle, but it signals liver stress and poor toxin removal. If you feel unusually exhausted for no clear reason, monitor your energy levels and consider a medical evaluation.
The liver sits just below the right rib cage, so inflammation or swelling caused by fatty liver can create a dull ache or sense of fullness in this area. Unlike sharp pain, this discomfort is mild but persistent and may worsen after meals or physical activity. Dr Sethi notes that when combined with other symptoms, this ache can help doctors identify fatty liver disease early.
Fatty liver disease can affect your skin and hair due to impaired toxin removal and hormone regulation. Common signs include:
1. Dry, itchy skin with unusual rashes
2. Yellowish skin or eyes in advanced stages
3. Acne flare-ups
4. Hair thinning or hair loss
These external changes should not be ignored. Dr Sethi highlights that new skin issues or hair loss without other explanations could point to liver problems.
Digestive symptoms can also signal fatty liver disease. When the liver is overloaded with fat, it struggles to support digestion, leading to mild nausea and loss of appetite. According to Dr Sethi, these symptoms often occur without other stomach problems. If you experience regular nausea or reduced appetite along with other signs, it’s important to get your liver checked.
Detecting fatty liver disease at home helps prevent serious complications like liver inflammation, fibrosis, or even cirrhosis. Monitoring changes in your body, energy levels, skin, hair, and digestion can be a crucial first step. Experts emphasise that paying attention to these warning signs and seeking timely medical advice can help manage fatty liver disease effectively. Lifestyle changes, including a healthy diet, regular exercise, and avoiding alcohol, are key steps in protecting liver health.